Bringing a pet home for the first time is an exciting experience, giving you a fun, playful companion to relax and live with. While you are likely excited to start playing with them, pets shed their fur and can negatively impact the air conditioning system without the proper precautions. Below are several strategies to help you ensure the home remains comfortable for you and your pet.

How Can You Prevent Pet-Related HVAC Issues?

1. Secure the Outdoor Unit

If you have a central air conditioning unit in the yard, use a fence to restrict access to it. This is especially important if you have a dog, as canines often mark their territory on nearby objects. If they do this on the central unit, their urine can corrode the metal and cause the smell to circulate throughout the home. Pets may also chew on the unit's power cords, causing the system to stop working.

2. Change the Filter Regularly

The filter in your cooling system traps dust, hair, and pet dander before it can circulate throughout the home. However, these substances will clog the screen over time, forcing the air conditioning system to work harder to push air through it. This increases your monthly utility bill and causes the appliance to wear out faster, requiring more frequent repairs.

While you may have only needed to change the filter every two or three months before bringing a pet home, you should increase this frequency because the filter will clog faster due to fur and dander. Instead, replace the filter once a month to help everyone in the home stay comfortable and breathe easily.

3. Clean the Ducts

Even with regular preventive maintenance, some pet hair and dander will enter the HVAC system and accumulate in the ducts. Over time, this can clog the channels, providing an environment for mold to grow. Additionally, the debris may settle on your vents, entering the air whenever the air conditioner turns on. To prevent this, wipe the vents each week with a soft cloth to remove any buildup. Also, have professionals inspect and clean the ducts at least once a year to get rid of any contaminants that may be affecting the indoor air quality.

When you need help keeping your air conditioning system functional, contact River Valley Air Conditioning in Fort Mohave, AZ. Since 1955, these HVAC contractors have been helping residents and businesses throughout the Tri-State area with all their heating and cooling needs. With a staff of over 20 technicians, they have someone on-call 24/7 to respond immediately to any air conditioning emergency. Visit the website for more information about their services, and call (760) 326-3020 to schedule an appointment.